Conserve the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Supporting research and knowledge on ocean health and conservation with digital solutions

Power of digital

Digital solutions can enhance scientific knowledge on ocean health, including on marine pollution and ecosystem conservation, and make the fishing industry sustainable by improving monitoring and simplifying supply chains

Opportunities

• Increasing data and scientific knowledge on ocean health
• Data analytics for monitoring sustainability of fishing
• Improving efficiencies of the fishing supply chain

Potential risks & digital harms

• ICT components increasing water pollution and toxic waste

CounterMEASURE

CounterMEASURE uses geographic analysis to collect data and identify sources of plastic waste in rivers. The data are shared with partners and governments who integrate findings into campaigns, legislation, protocols and training

Examples of countries implemented

Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India

Power of digital

1. Combines citizen science, drone imaging, machine learning and CCTV
2. Augments ground-level research in an efficient and scalable way
3. Reduces plastic pollution entering the sea through rivers

“We appreciate the UNEP initiative to bring global experience […] and cutting-edge technology”
_{Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka}

Connected Mangroves

Connected Mangroves combines cloud, machine-to-machine, AI and mobile broadband to help communities better manage and protect their mangrove forests

Examples of countries implemented

Malaysia, India, and the Philippines

Power of digital

1. Solar-powered sensors collect critical data and AI cameras help identify bird species by collecting images in real time
2. Dashboard tracks site conditions and allows authorized users to access data and images
3. Standardized technology for replicability and scalability

“The mangrove restoration project not only reduces global emissions, but also has a positive effect on the local community; with the mangroves regrown, they serve as a natural flood and typhoon barrier”
_{Heather Johnson, Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson Group}